- Unlike many municipalities, Ocean City does not require fishermen to purchase a license for general fishing. Fishermen can fish in the ocean off the coast of Ocean City or in the saltwater bays and inlets in Ocean City and the surrounding areas without applying for or purchasing any type of permit or application. However, tuna fishermen must have a federal permit. Federal tuna fishing permits and information about tuna fishing restrictions can be obtained by calling (888) USA-TUNA. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources does have size and quantity limits for each type of fish. The Maryland Department of Natural Resources can be reached at (410) 260-8367.
- Each day, as early as 5 a.m., headboats leave shore to head to the deep waters of the Atlantic in search of a big catch. Headboats often carry large numbers of fisherman and are generally filled on a first-come, first-served basis. These boats go out in hopes of catching wahoo, mahi-mahi, tuna and mako sharks. Many boats return successful each evening.
- Fisherman looking for a more personal fishing experience can book a fishing trip with one of the many charter fishing companies based in Ocean City. Charter fishing boats can take small groups of fishermen out to deep waters to try their luck at reeling in their own big catch. In addition to tuna and mahi-mahi, fishermen are also likely to catch flounder, black sea bass and spotted sea trout in the Ocean City area. Reservations for chartered fishing trips should be made in advance.
- Ocean City fishermen don't have to be on the water to take part in the action. Those who prefer to stay on land can fish from one of the area's public fishing piers or along the surf. Knowledgeable anglers use live worms for Norfolk spot or squid strips for sea bass off of the 9th Street Pier. Oceanic Pier, a pay pier at the end of Philadelphia Avenue, gives fishermen a place to catch bluefish, flounder and trout, and crabbers a place to set their traps in the late summer and early fall. Those looking for places to fish in the surf can try their luck at the Fenwick Island Bathhouse or during restricted hours at the beach.
- Fishermen with their own boats can launch from one of four public boat ramps in the city. Public boat ramps are available at 87th Street Bayside, O.C. Commercial Harbor, Gum Point Road off of Route 589 and at Assateague Island State Park.
